6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia’s Flight Deals
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Exploring Underrated European Gems
Affordable summer escapes in Europe can be found in unexpected destinations, such as Ayia Napa in Cyprus, Setenil de las Bodegas in Spain, and Ohrid in North Macedonia.
These underrated gems offer rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, often at a fraction of the cost of more popular tourist hubs.
From the charming medieval village of Eze in France to the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, these hidden gems provide unique vacation experiences for savvy travelers.
Despite its stunning lakeside setting and well-preserved historic center, Ohrid remains relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourists, offering a chance to experience an authentic Balkan destination.
This charming medieval village perched atop a steep hill in the French Riviera offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean, yet sees a fraction of the crowds of nearby Nice or Monaco.
The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and has been carefully restored after its destruction during the Bosnian War, showcasing the resilience of this cultural crossroads.
What else is in this post?
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Exploring Underrated European Gems
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Backpacking Through Central America's Vivid Colors
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Discovering Asia's Culinary Treasures on a Budget
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Coastal Getaways at Affordable Caribbean Hotspots
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Hidden Gems in the American Southwest
- 6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Budget-Friendly Urban Adventures Across the Globe
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Backpacking Through Central America's Vivid Colors
Despite the growing interest, Central America remains an underrated gem, providing travelers the opportunity to discover its unique charms and hidden gems without the crowds of more touristy destinations.
As Expedia continues to provide affordable flight deals, the prospects for budget-friendly backpacking adventures in Central America have never been brighter.
The average temperature in Central America ranges from 68°F (20°C) in the highlands to 86°F (30°C) in the lowlands, making it an ideal year-round backpacking destination.
The Mayan ruins in countries like Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras feature intricate stone carvings and advanced astronomical knowledge that continue to captivate archaeologists and visitors alike.
The use of "chicken buses," repurposed American school buses, is a ubiquitous and inexpensive mode of transportation throughout Central America, offering a unique cultural experience for backpackers.
The region is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, including Volcán Pacaya in Guatemala and Volcán Arenal in Costa Rica, providing adventurous backpackers with the opportunity to hike and observe these natural wonders.
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Discovering Asia's Culinary Treasures on a Budget
Savvy travelers can indulge in Southeast Asia's diverse and vibrant culinary scene without breaking the bank.
From Sri Lanka's aromatic rice and curry dishes to Phuket's expatriate-approved gastronomic landscape, budget-conscious foodies can enjoy unique and delicious local specialties across the region.
Public transport options make it easy to explore these affordable culinary destinations, allowing adventurous eaters to discover the hidden gems of Asia's diverse food culture.
In Phuket, Thailand, over 30% of the local population are expatriates who have created a diverse gastronomic landscape, allowing budget-conscious travelers to enjoy a wide range of unique and delicious culinary experiences.
Sri Lanka's version of rice and curry, known as "Buth Curry," can contain up to 18 different curries, each infused with a unique blend of coconut milk and aromatic spices, offering an incredibly complex and flavorful dining experience.
Street food stalls in Southeast Asia often use traditional cooking methods passed down for generations, such as the use of wood-fired woks in Thai street food, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the dishes.
Chiang Mai, Thailand, is considered one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the region, with the average cost of a meal at a local restaurant being less than $3 USD, making it a prime location for culinary exploration on a tight budget.
In Vietnam, the city of Hoi An is known for its well-preserved historic town center, which is home to a thriving food scene, including family-run eateries serving authentic local delicacies at remarkably low prices.
Lombok, Indonesia, is a hidden gem for budget-conscious culinary adventurers, with the island's unique Sasak cuisine offering a distinct blend of Malay and Indian influences, often showcased in affordable beachside warungs (local eateries).
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Coastal Getaways at Affordable Caribbean Hotspots
The Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata and Guadeloupe offer affordable Caribbean experiences, with accommodations starting around $100 per night.
Other budget-friendly Caribbean destinations include Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, known for their accessible flights, all-inclusive resorts, and diverse cultural offerings.
While the Caribbean is often associated with luxury, savvy travelers can find value in destinations like Barbados, Belize, and Cancun, which provide affordable access to the region's stunning coastlines and vibrant island life.
The Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata offers an authentic Caribbean experience and is one of the most affordable destinations in the region.
Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island, has return flights from London starting as low as $500 and hotel rooms beginning at $100 per night.
Visitors to Guadeloupe can kayak or swim to the deserted Ilet du Gosier for snorkeling and solitude.
Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, Bahamas, provides a more affordable alternative to the nearby Baha Mar resort, with beachfront accommodations and all-inclusive dining options.
Curacao, known for its Dutch and African cultural influences, offers up to 50% discounts on room rates during the summer months.
Jamaica offers affordable flights and cruise options, allowing travelers to explore the island's rich culture and natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Nicaragua's underdeveloped Eastern coastline provides an affordable and off-the-beaten-path alternative to more popular Caribbean destinations.
The US News & World Report ranks 26 luxury hotels in Curacao as among the Best Hotels in the country, with many of them offering reasonably priced accommodations.
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Hidden Gems in the American Southwest
The American Southwest is home to various hidden gems that offer affordable summer escapes.
These often involve outdoor activities and natural wonders, such as the slot canyons of Antelope Canyon and the stargazing opportunities at Big Bend National Park in Texas.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico were home to the Mogollon people, who constructed these multi-story stone structures built into the cliffs over 700 years ago.
Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, covering over 1,200 acres and featuring a zoo, botanical garden, and several museums.
The White Sands National Park in New Mexico is home to the world's largest gypsum dune field, covering an area of 275 square miles and forming a stunning, otherworldly landscape.
Chaco Canyon in New Mexico was a major center of Puebloan culture between the 9th and 13th centuries, and its impressive adobe ruins and astronomical alignments continue to captivate archaeologists.
The Superstition Mountains in Arizona are home to the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, which has been the subject of numerous treasure hunts and urban legends for over a century.
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico is a surreal, otherworldly landscape of hoodoos, badlands, and petrified wood formations that resemble a lunar landscape.
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 60 feet tall and live for over 200 years, making it a unique symbol of the American Southwest.
The Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, are a hidden gem with stunning turquoise-blue waters that have become a popular destination for hikers and adventurers.
6 Unexpected Destinations for Affordable Summer Escapes Using Expedia's Flight Deals - Budget-Friendly Urban Adventures Across the Globe
Exploring budget-friendly destinations in the US, such as art-loving cities and historical museums, as well as destinations in Central and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, can provide unique and cost-effective travel opportunities.
In 2024, the Philippines is one of the cheapest places to travel globally, with accommodation rates starting as low as $10 per night and buses being an affordable way to get around the country.
Colombia's bus travel is often under $10 each way, and domestic flights can cost less than $50 roundtrip, making it easy for budget-conscious travelers to explore several cities over a week or two.
Chiang Mai, Thailand, is considered one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia, with the average cost of a meal at a local restaurant being less than $3 USD.
The Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata offers an authentic Caribbean experience and is one of the most affordable destinations in the region, with accommodations starting around $100 per night.
Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island, has return flights from London starting as low as $500 and hotel rooms beginning at $100 per night, providing a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive Caribbean destinations.
Curacao, known for its Dutch and African cultural influences, offers up to 50% discounts on room rates during the summer months, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious travelers.
The Gila Cliff Dwellings in New Mexico were home to the Mogollon people, who constructed these multi-story stone structures built into the cliffs over 700 years ago, offering a unique historical experience for adventurous travelers.
Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, covering over 1,200 acres and featuring a zoo, botanical garden, and several museums, providing a budget-friendly way to explore the great outdoors.
The Superstition Mountains in Arizona are home to the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, which has been the subject of numerous treasure hunts and urban legends for over a century, adding a touch of mystery and adventure to budget-friendly travels.
Saguaro National Park in Arizona is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can grow up to 60 feet tall and live for over 200 years, making it a unique and budget-friendly destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, are a hidden gem with stunning turquoise-blue waters that have become a popular destination for hikers and adventurers on a budget.